The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 41: From Yurumein to the 2030 Census Our history is Our Power

• Jose Francisco Avila • Episode 41

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"If you aren't in the data, you don't exist in the budget."

In this powerful kickoff to Garifuna Heritage Month 2026, host José Francisco Ávila bridges the 229-year gap between the shores of St. Vincent “Yurumein” and the streets of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem. This episode explores the concept that civic engagement—specifically the fight for a "Complete Count" in the 2030 Census—is the modern-day continuation of the ancestral resistance of 1797.

What we cover in this episode:

  • The Great Migration of 1797: Honoring the 2,248 ancestors who refused to let the Garifuna story end at deportation, instead turning a forced exile into a legacy of survival across Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
  • The Resistance: March 14 is the day we honor Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, who died fighting for our land, on March 14, 1795.
  • Happy Land Social Club fire: A spotlight on the Bronx as the "largest Garifuna village in the world." We discuss why political representation and the "Six to Celebrate" historic landmarks are vital to our local power.
  • Data as a Weapon: Why the 2030 Census is our modern-day battlefield. José explains how an accurate count directly impacts funding for our hospitals, schools, and community centers.

As we celebrate our heritage this month, we remind our community: Our History is Our Power. It is not enough to be seen on the dance floor; we must be counted on the record.

Resources:

Books by José Francisco Ávila

 

SOUNDTRACK

HOST: Mabuiga! I’m your host, José Francisco Ávila Welcome to Episode 41 of the Garifuna Experience Podcast. Today we are standing at a powerful intersection. We are right in the heart of Garifuna Heritage Month, and we’re lauching our special series: From Yurumein to the 2030 Census Our history is Our Power. 

Today’s episode is special. We are bridging two worlds: the 1797 resistance on the shores of Yurumein and the 2026 streets of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem. We’re launching our new series, because as we celebrate our past, we must look at our power in the present.

We are diving deep into the powerful and resilient journey of the Garifuna people. From the sacred shores of Yurumein (St. Vincent) to the challenges and opportunities of the 2030 Census. This month's spotlight is more than just a celebration of our vibrant culture; it’s a powerful call to action that connects our ancestral resistance with our modern-day responsibility.

The U.S. CENSUS is a Cornerstone of our Democracy, the Constitution mandates it for political representation, apportioning House of Representatives seats and drawing electoral districts.

[03:00 - 10:00] Segment 1: The Yurumein Legacy (Resistance)

José: Let’s ground ourselves in history. March 11th marks the day in 1797 when the British began the forced deportation of our ancestors from St. Vincent “Yurumein”. They packed 2,248 of our ancestors onto ships, hoping to erase us.

March 14 is the day we honor Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, who died fighting for our land, on March 14, 1795. Chatoyer fought to keep us on the map in St. Vincent. Today, we fight the 2030 Census, to define our destiny by pushing for electoral districts in the 2031 Decennial redistricting, because we are not just a culture to be celebrated; we are a voting and power bloc ready to be activated! 

New York City is home to the largest Garifuna community outside of Central America With a quarter-million residents, over 100,000 strong right here in the Bronx. When we talk about "Resistance," we aren't just talking about the 18th century. We are talking about the fact that we are still here, speaking our language and beating our drums in the "biggest Garifuna village in the world, in the Capital of the world" I remind you that fighting for representation is part of our warrior legacy.

10:00 - 18:00] Segment 2: New York Voices: 2026

HOST: In this series: From Yurumein to the 2030 Census Our history is Our Power, we’re hitting the pavement. This month, we’re highlighting the "Six to Celebrate"  Happy land Monument walking tour in the Bronx. We’re visiting the Happy Land Memorial on Southern Boulevard, a site that reminds us of our community's pain but also our incredible resilience since 1990.

We honor the 87 lives lost in the Happy Land Social Club fire (1990). Most were Garifuna. This tragedy sparked the first major wave of Garifuna organizing in New York city. 

From the ashes of this horrific event emerged the modern celebration of the Central American Parade and Festival, and the celebration of Garifuna Heritage Month;

The Happy Land fire proved that when we are "invisible" to the city's safety and housing systems, the consequences are fatal.

"Visibility saves lives. A full Census count ensures our neighborhoods get the fire, health, and safety funding they need."

HOST: The message for 2026 is clear: Recognition. We’ve had the proclamations from the Governor and the Borough President since 2009. But in 2026, recognition must turn into representation. 

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: With a quarter-million residents, the Garifuna community is a critical demographic force integrated into New York City’s social and political life. we are a voting and power bloc ready to be activated and that starts now! 

[18:00 - 25:00] Segment 3: The 2030 Census – The Modern Battle

From exile to electorate: We are Mobilizing for Data Equity in Census 2030.

HOST: Now, let’s talk about the "weapon" of the modern era: Data. Data is our most effective weapon. Accurate and complete data about Garifuna demographics are critical. We have the numbers. It's time we had the power.  

For too long, Garifuna demographics have been missing from official data. Early organizing is the only way to ensure the Garifuna people are no longer "invisible" in official data.

Filling out that census form and checking the box to identify as Garifuna is today’s version of Chatoyer’s resistance. If they don't see us in the numbers, they don't see us in the budget. Our History is Our Power, but our Numbers are our future.

Garifuna Settlement in Central America (April 12)

April 12th marks the powerful 229th anniversary of the Garifuna people's arrival and resilient settlement in Honduras, when two thousand twenty-six Garifuna ancestors disembarked from those British ships on the island of Roatán on April 12, 1797, beginning a new chapter of our history. It is a day of rebirth and the beginning of our diaspora.

Just as our ancestors built new lives in Roatán, Honduras Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua, we have built a home in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem. We are the largest Garifuna diaspora in the world.

"We have settled, we have built, and now we must be counted. Our presence in New York City is permanent. Let’s end Garifuna demographic invisibilty. Let’s make sure that our community's contributions and experiences are finally seen and counted."

Let’s transform the cultural influence into measurable political power and sustainable organizational capacity.

[25:00 - 30:00] OUTRO: A Call to Action

HOST: As we move through Garifuna Heritage Month, from the Bronx County Building Rotunda to the celebrations in April, I want you to remember: Getting counted correctly is how we secure our power, prosperity, and progress.

Your homework this week: 1. Tell one family member why the 2030 Census matters today. Help us secure the future of the Garifuna community! Join the Garifuna Complete Count Committee. Our history is our power. Let’s make sure they count it.

HOST: And that wraps up another illuminating episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast 

Thank you for listening. Remember: The future of the Garifuna people is in our hands.

Until next time, stay united, stay proud. Sungubei Lidan Aban. Ayo!

HOST: Find new episodes of The Garifuna Experience every Tuesday on n Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, or wherever you find your favorite shows. 

Please rate and review—it helps our history reach the world.

SOUNDTRACK

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José Francisco Ávila

Host